Combination dental instrument defining a matrix band retainer and clamping block forthe band



1962 a. F. TOFFLEMIRE 3,020,638

COMBINATION DENTAL INSTRUMENT DEFINING A MATRIX BAND RETAINER AND CLAMPING BLOCK FOR THE BAND Filed March 9, 1959 l'NvE TOR BENJAMIN l TQF'FLEMIRE B Y m WV"? W ATTORNEYS nite tates atent COMBINATION DENTAL INSTRUMENT DEFIN- ING A MATRIX BANDRETAINER AYD CLAMP- ING BLOCK FOR THE BAND Benjamin'F. Toiliemire, R0. Box 677, Laiayette, Calif.

Filed M121. 9, 1959, Ser. No. 793,003

3 Claims. or. 32-43.)

The present invention relates to improvements in a combination dental instrument defining a matrix band retainer and clamping block for the band. It consists of the combinations, 'eonstructions, and arrangements of parts, as hereinafter described and claimed.

In my United StatesPatent No. 2,502,903of April 4, i950, pertaining to Dental Matrix Retainer, there is shown a retainer that is 'adapted to apply and hold a dental matrix band around a tooth while the natural coritours of 'the latter are being restored, Such a retainer was designed for removal from the band after the tooth had been packed with the necessary filling and the freshly packed restoration properly contoured. Meanwhile, the retainer remained in the patients mouth.

Moreover, my United States Patent No. 2,591,745, dated April 8, 1952, and'pertaining to Contra-Angle Retainer for Use With Gingival-Aperture and Cusp-Replacing Dental MatrixBands, discloses another retainer which is adapted for holding a dental matrix band around a tooth that is being restored, the retainer remaining in the mouth of, the patient until the restoration has been completed.

In order to provide the operator with greater working space, and afford improved visibility and greater all around accessibility in the, operativefield, it is proposed to provide a clamping block that may be used in conjunction with my retainers. The block is adapted, to be disposed between the retainer and the looped portion of the band that encircles the tooth, with the block having arms arranged to straddle overlapped end portions of the band. After the band has been drawn into firm embracement with the axial contours of the tooth, releasable clamping means carried by the block are operable for securing the block upon the overlapped portions of the band adjacent to the banded toothp Thereafter, the retainer may be detached from the band and removed from the patients mouth. Then the ends of the band that project beyond the clamping block may be sheared otf. In so doing, the operator is assured that the band is securely held in the originally adjusted position; and, at the same time, he is provided with greater access, improved visibility, less bulk of equipage, and a greater degree of comfort to the patient than was heretofore possible.

Other objects and advantages will appear as the specification continues. The novel features of the invention will be set forth in the claims hereunto appended. It will be noted thatthe retainer constitutes a holder for both the clamping block and the looped band, when applying the latter around a tooth.

Drawing For a better understanding of my invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawing, forming part of this specification, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of my combination dental instrument defining a matrix band retainer and clamping block for the band, the latter being shown in section;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of FIGURE 1, the retainer being reversed end for end;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of FIGURE 2, and looking at the opposite side of the retainer from that disclosed in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the plane lV-IV of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along the plane VV of FIGURE 4; and I FIGURE 6 is an elevational view of a modified form of a clamping block for the band, parts being shown in section. I

While I have shown only the preferred forms of my invention, it should be understood that various changes, or modifications, may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit thereof. l

' Detailed description Referring now to the drawings in detail, I have illustrated a matrix band retainer which is designated generally at A. This is substantially the same retainer as shown in my United Statesflatent No, 2,502,903, previously mentioned; it has been selected for the purpose of illustration.

As shown in the drawing, the retainer A defines a longitudinally-extending bar 10, the latter being fashioned with a retainer head B at its forward end. This head is U-shaped in elevation (see FIGURES), and it defines four spaced an'dtpa'rallel guide fingers, 11 (see FIGURES 2 and 3). These fingers provide slots 12 therebetween through which overlapped end portions 13,, of a looped matrix band, C are adapted to selectively extend. The looped portion 14 of the band may extend from either lateral side 15 of the retainer head B, and thus the looped portion 14 may encircle a tooth D.

It will be noted that the retainer A has a sliding block E slidably disposed on its barltl for back and forth adjustment therealong. The block E has a diagonal slot 16 that is arranged to receive the end portions of the matrix band C, as clearly shown in FIGURE 2. The overlapped end portions 13 of the band; may be inserted edgewise into the selected slots 12 of the retainer head B and into the diagonal slot 16. For the purpose of detachably anchoring the overlapped end portions 13 of the band to the block E, the latter is fashioned with a threaded bore 17 that intersects the diagonal slot 16 (see FIGURE 2). A spindle designated generally at F has its forward end threaded into the bore 17, and the spindle has a conical end 18 arranged to clamp the overlapped ends 13 of the band to the slidable block E. The spindle F may be rotated by means of an operating knob 19 to cause the conical end 18 to engage with the band ends.

Now a movement of the sliding block E along the bar 10 in a direction away from the retainer head B willdraw the looped portion 14 of the matrix band C tightly around the banded tooth D, while movement of the block E in the opposite direction will relax the grip of the matrix band upon thetooth. The means for moving the spindle F and the block E comprises a sleeve G through which the spindle is threaded. fashioned with an annular groove 26 therein for receiving forked ends 21 of a U-shaped end H, the latter being provided at the rear end of the bar 10 (sec FIGURES 2 and 3). It is obvious that the sleeve G may be rotated in one direction to advance the block E toward the retainer head B, while an opposite rotation of the sleeve 7 G will retract the block E relative to the head B. The

forked ends 21' hold the sleeve G against longitudinal movement, but permit its free rotation.

It will be noted that I provide a slotted clamping block I that defines a pair of arms 22 that are adapted to straddle the overlapped end portions 13 of the band C, which are disposed between the retainer head B and the looped port-ion ld of the band. The arms 22 define a slot 23 thcrebetween through which the overlapped This sleeve is end portions of the band may be pulled when the band is tightened around the tooth D. In order to releasably clamp the block I upon the end portions of the matrix band C, I make use of a clamping bar 24. This clamping bar is disposed adjacent to the slot 23 and has one end thereof swingably secured by a pin 25 to one of the arms 22 of the block I (see FIGURE The bar 24 is swingable toward the other arm 22 of the block so as to clamp the overlapped end portions 13 of the hand therebetween. In FIGURE 5, the bar 24 is shown as being accommodated in a recess 26 so as to permit the bar to be swung back and forth.

For the purpose of actuating the clamping bar 24, I have provided a self-locking toggle arrangement designated generally at K. This toggle arrangement includes an operating lever 27 having one end thereof swingably secured by a pin 28 to a lug 29 that projects from the clamping block 1. Moreover, the toggle arrangement includes a link 30 having one of its ends swingably secured by a pin 31 to the operating lever 27, the other end of the link being secured by a pin 32 to the end of the clamping bar 24 in the manner shown in FIGURES l, 3 and 5 It will be apparent from FIGURE 1 that when the operating lever 27 is arranged in the full line position shown in this view, the bar 24 will be positioned away from the overlapped end portions 13 of the band; however, when the lever 27 is swung into the dot-dash line position shown in FIGURE '1, at substantially right angles to the lengths of the arms 22, the bar 24 will be clamped against the overlapped end portions of the band. When the arms 22 extend lengthwise of the banded tooth D and the lever 27 occupies the dot-dash line position, this lever will be arranged substantially parallel with the occlusal plane 33 of the banded tooth D, and thus the lever 27 will not present any discomfort to the patient and will be out of the way of the operator; and at this time the toggle arrangement K is locked.

Of course, the clamping block I may be arranged on either lateral side of the retainer head B, depending upon the side from which the looped portion 14 of the band C projects. With particular reference to FIGURE 2, it will be observed that the arms 22 of the clamping block I are made concave on one side thereof, as at 34, so as to fit against adjacent exterior surfaces of the looped portion 14 of the band. The opposite sides of the arms 22 are made concave, as at 35, so as to partially receive an adjacent pair of the guide fingers 11 of the retainer head B, thus preventing rotation of the block I relative to the retainer head B, when the toggle arrangement is being operated to engage with the overlapped portions 13 of the band.

Assuming that the looped matrix band C has been secured to the retainer A in the manner shown in FIG- URE 2, and with the looped portion 14 projecting laterally from one side of the retainer head B, the arms 22 of the block I may be moved over the overlapped end portions 13 of the band. At this time, the arms 22 will parallel the guide fingers 11. With the operating lever 27 being arranged in its full line position shown in FIG- URE 1, the looped portion 14 may be placed around the tooth D, the retainer A constituting a holder for both the clamping block I and the looped band C.

Next, the sleeve G should be rotated in a direction to move the sliding block E away from the retainer head B so as to constrict the band around the tooth. Inasmuch as the bar 24 is not clamped against the overlapped end portions 13 of the band at this time, the band ends 13 may be pulled through the slot 23 of the clamping block without obstruction. The matrix band C should be placed adjacent to the gingival border 36 of the banded tooth D, as suggested in FIGURE 1. Now the operating lever 27 may be swung into the dot-dash line position shown in FIGURE 1, and this will automatically lock the toggle arrangement K, with the operating lever 27 being disposed substantially parallel with the occlusal plane 33.

As the next step, the operator should turn the sleeve G so as to move the sliding block E at least a slight distance toward the retainer head B. Upon turning the operating knob 19 in a direction to retract the conical end 18 of the spindle F from engagement with the over lapped end portions 13 of the band, the retainer A may be removed entirely from the patients mouth. However, the clamping block I will hold the matrix band C firmly around the banded tooth. The projecting end of the band may be sheared off, as suggested in FIGURE 4 of the drawing, thus assuring the operator of the complete removal of any loose metal parts from the field of operation.

The clamping block I is universally applicable to the right or left quadrants of both the upper and lower teeth; and is, at all times, in plain view of the operator and readily accessible for easy removal when the work has been completed. The open slot 23 permits the overlapped band end portions 13 to be introduced sidewise into this slot, or removed therefrom. This will obviate any requirement for feeding the band ends through the block, thereby simplifying the operation and saving time.

Turning now to the modified clamping block I, as shown in FIGURE 6, it is provided with a pair of spaced parallel arms 22'. These arms define a slot 23' therebetween, which is adapted to have the overlapped end portions 13 of the matrix band inserted edgewise thereinto. Instead of providing the toggle arrangement K, as in the first embodiment, I use a set-screw 37. This screw extends through one of the arms 22, and is op erable to clamp the overlapped portions 13 of the hand against the other arm 22' of the block. This set-screw may be of the Allen-head type, if desired. The opposite lateral sides of the block I may be made concaved in the same manner and for the same purpose as set forth in connection with the concaved sides 34 and 35 of the block I. The block I is used in the same manner as the block I and serves the same purpose.

I claim:

1. A clamping block for use in securing a looped matrix band around a patients tooth and comprising: a slotted block defining a pair of parallel arms fixed relative to one another and being adapted to straddle overlapped end portions of a looped matrix band; said arms being adapted to be positioned to extend lengthwise of the patients tooth; the arm defining a slot therebetween through which the overlapped end portions of the band may be pulled for constricting the loop of the band around the tooth; a clamping bar extending generally lengthwise of the arms and being disposed adjacent to the slot; one end of the bar being swingably secured to one of the arms; the bar being swingable toward the other arm so as to clamp the overlapped portions of the band therebetween; and a self-locking toggle arrangement operable for swinging the bar into clamping relation with the band and comprising: an operating lever having one end swingably connected to the block; a link having one of its ends swingably connected to the clamping bar and its opposite end swingably secured to the operating lever at a point spaced from the swingablyconnected end of the lever; the operating lever being movable for swinging the bar into clamping relation with the band, at which time the toggle arrangement will be locked; the lever being disposed substantially parallel with the occlusal plane of the banded tooth and at substantially right angles to the lengths of the arms, when the toggle arrangement is locked and the bar is clamped against the overlapped portions of the band, whereby the lever will not present any discomfort to the patient and will be out of the way of the operator.

2. In a combination dental instrument defining a matrix band retainer and clamping block for the band: a matrix retainer having means adapted to be detachably anchored to overlapped end portions of a looped matrix band, and being operable for constricting the loop portion of the band around a patients tooth; a slotted clamping block formed as an entirely separate part from the matrix retainer, and defining a pair of arms fixed relative to one another and being adapted to straddle and to engage overlapped portions of the band which are held by the retainer and disposed between the retainer and the looped portion of the band; the clamping block being adapted for removably engaging with the retainer; the retainer constituting a holder for both the clamping block and the looped band, when applying the latter around a tooth; and the block being provided with releasable clamping means operable for engaging with the overlapped portions of the band adjacent to the loop for holding the looped portion of the band around the tooth, when the retainer is detached from the band; the matrix retainer being adapted to be entirely removed from the patients month, while the clamping block still remains in the patients mouth to firmly hold the matrix band around the banded tooth; the clamping means including a self-locking toggle arrangement; the toggle arrangement including an operating lever which is disposed substantially parallel with the occlusal plane of the banded tooth, when the toggle arrangement is locked.

3. In a combination dental instrument defining a matrix band retainer and clamping block for the band: a matrix retainer having a slotted head; the head defining a plurality of parallel guide fingers which provide slots through which overlapped end portions of a looped matrix band are adapted to selectively extend, and with the looped portion of the band projecting from the head to encircle a patients tooth; the matrix retainer having means adapted to be detachably anchored to overlapped end portions of the matrix band, and being operable for constricting the looped portion of the band around the tooth; and a slotted clamping block formed as an entirely separate part from the matrix retainer, and defining a pair of r 6 parallel arms fixed relative to one another and being adapted to straddle and to engage overlapped portions of the band which are held by the retainer and disposed between the retainer head and the looped portion of the band; the clamping block being adapted for removably engaging with the retainer head; the arms of the block defining a slot therebetween through which the overlapped end portions of the matrix band may be pulled, when the latter is being constricted around the tooth; and the block being provided with releasable clamping means operable for engaging with the overlapped portions of the hand adjacent to the looped portion for holding the latter around the tooth, when the retainer is detached from the band; the matrix retainer being adapted to be entirely removed from the patients month, while the clamping block still remains in the patients mouth to firmly hold the matrix band around the banded tooth; the arms of the clamping block being made concave on one side thereof so as to fit against adjacent exterior surfaces of the looped portion of the band; the opposite sides of the arms being made concave so as to partially receive an adjacent pair of the guide fingers of the retainer head, and thus prevent rotation of the block relative to the retainer head, when the clamping means are being operated to engage with the overlapped portions of the band.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 337,924 Chase Mar. 16, 1886 2,215,336 Romano Sept. 17, 1940 2,284,006 McLellan May 26, 1942 2,333,071 Janisse Oct. 26, 1943 2,389,481 Bazner Nov. 20, 1945 2,594,367 Tofilemire Apr. 29, 1952 2,769,238 McPhee Nov. 26, 1956 

